With Apologies to Mister Poe

Late at night I hear their screeching,
Feel their evil arms outreaching
Like some minister a-preaching
In a temple made of light.
How my poor ears get to ringing, 
As a band of angels shrilly singing
On some lonely stretch of highway
In the night.
I think I hear the bells
Of a hundred thousand hells.
They won't allow me sleep,
Nor bless my soul to keep.
Oh, how they make me weep
As their awful midnight screaming
Keeps my fevered brain from dreaming.
I toss this way and that, 
Like a trapped and frightened bat
As it scrambles for the door
And croaks out: Nevermore!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Radice Avatar
February 17, 2024 at 9:52 PM
Your poem drips with the spirit and ambience of Poe. I loved the references to 'The Raven'. Not sure how I missed this but I'm glad I 've eventually got to read it. It was 'goose pimple inducing'. The sign of a great write in my book. Cheers - Gary
Gwaltney Bales Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 11:15 PM
Gary, thank you so much for your encouraging note! I love it! Ellen
Bell Avatar
February 9, 2024 at 5:39 AM
I think Poe would be impressed. One good thing with Poe. The darkness stays dark, and hell becomes more hell.
Gwaltney Bales Avatar
February 27, 2024 at 11:14 PM
Yes, Paul, Poe is indeed dark. And I've been a bit that way myself all my life. Ellen
Empress Avatar
January 22, 2024 at 11:04 AM
Ah brilliant! The kind of Poetry that I absolutely enjoy reading! I love your rhymes and the touch of darkness and vivid imagery and descriptive diction throughout your well titled poem. As someone that enjoys reading Poe and is a fan i found your title intriguing and brought me here and i must say im pleased.especially loved “ I think I hear the bells Of a hundred thousand hells. They won't allow me sleep, Nor bless my soul to keep.” Just impeccable! Fave this is
Gwaltney Bales Avatar
January 23, 2024 at 7:46 AM
Thank you so much for your kind words, Ink Empress. I had fun writing it. Ellen
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace